Interacting with an Imaam who is an innovator

Question: In our local masjid there is an Imaam who is a Mubtadi’ (innovator). How should we interact with him? Benefit us, May Allaah reward you with goodness.

Response: All praise is for Allaah the Lord of the Worlds; May peace and salutations be upon the one sent by Allaah as a mercy for mankind.

As for interacting with the people of innovation, it differs according to the different situations in terms of weakness and strength, and also interacting with a person whose innovations are hidden and another whose innovations are apparent and he calls to them.

In a situation of weakness, wherein the strength and ascendancy is for the people of innovation, the obligation is to be diplomatic and patient with them.

A person should not take a stance which will allow the people of innovation to punish and subdue Ahl As-Sunnah, to exile them from the Masjid and restrict their [Da’wah] activities. [However at the same time] a person should fulfil the obligation with regards to the people of innovation, by clarifying their situation, warning against them, showing the Sunnah and making people aware of it.

But in a situation in which strength and authority is for the people of the Sunnah, then it is appropriate for the innovations to be subdued in accordance with what the Sharee’ah has obligated i.e. the guidelines of harshness and boycotting – if the situation necessitates it – so they can return back to the truth. This is what the commandments and prohibitions of the Sharee’ah necessitate.

But when the people [of innovation] have support, then the methods of teaching in the Prophetic Seerah show us that we should be diplomatic without flattering them, as well as fulfilling the obligation of clarification and warning.

As for a person who is concealing [of his innovation], then we leave his concealed matters to Allaah, just as the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his companions dealt and interacted with the Munaafiqeen (Hypocrites) during the Prophetic era and the era of the noble companions.

The knowledge is with Allaah (the most High)

Our final call is: All praise is for Allaah the Lord of the Worlds, and may peace and salutations of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad his family, companions and brothers until the Day of Resurrection.